Version 7.1 special program: banners, Skirk and Escoffier reruns, and two free 5-stars

HoYoverse aired the Version 7.1 special program on September 12, 2026. Here is a recap of what was officially announced, with no leaks involved.

Release date

Version 7.1, "A Rekviem for the Underworld", launches on September 23, 2026. It continues Chapter VII of the Archon Quest in Snezhnaya with Act III and Act IV.

Phase I: Vesna and Vodyanitsa (September 23 – October 13)

• Vesna (5★ Anemo, Sword) – Commander of the Druzhna. An on-field damage dealer who turns Cryo Swirl into Stellar Swirl for her team and can deal Stellar Swirl DMG herself.
• Vodyanitsa (5★ Hydro, Catalyst) – Prima Donna of the Korolevskiy Troupe. A healer and support who lowers enemies' Hydro and Cryo RES, designed for Freeze and Stellar Swirl teams.

Their signature weapons, Beyond the Chrysalis and Hymn of the Maelstrom, headline the weapon banner.

Phase II: Skirk and Escoffier reruns (October 13 – November 3)

The second half of the version brings back Skirk, the Cryo sword-wielding damage dealer from Version 5.7, and Escoffier, the Cryo polearm support from Version 5.6. The pairing makes sense: Escoffier is one of Skirk's best partners, and Vodyanitsa's Hydro and Cryo RES shred also fits that team.

Sixth anniversary: two 5-star characters for free

The game turns six on September 28. Announced rewards include:

• A limited 5-star character of your choice among Baizhu, Nilou, Varesa, Tartaglia, Chiori and Clorinde.
• A standard 5-star character of your choice among the permanent wish pool (Diluc, Jean, Mona, Keqing, Qiqi, Tighnari, Dehya and Yumemizuki Mizuki).
• 10 Intertwined Fates, 1,600 Primogems and a reset of the Genesis Crystal first top-up bonus.

The standard selector can be claimed right after the update; the limited selector requires completing the Version 7.1 Archon Quests before November 3, 2026. The 10 Intertwined Fates come from the "Rainbow's End" login event.

Events and free weapon

The Moonchase Festival returns with "Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon", which rewards the free 4-star sword Silver Light. Several other events are planned, including a snowball-fight minigame and an anniversary login event.

And after 7.1?

Nothing has been officially announced about the next version yet. As usual, HoYoverse should reveal it in a special program shortly before release. We will only cover official announcements, so stay tuned.